The Journey - January 7, 2015

Psalm 35:11-21
Ruthless witnesses come forward; they question me on things I know nothing about. They repay me evil for good and leave me like one bereaved. Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting. When my prayers returned to me unanswered, I went about mourning as though for my friend or brother. I bowed my head in grief as though weeping for my mother. But when I stumbled, they gathered in glee; assailants gathered against me without my knowledge. They slandered me without ceasing. Like the ungodly they maliciously mocked; they gnashed their teeth at me. How long, LORD, will you look on? Rescue me from their ravages, my precious life from these lions. I will give you thanks in the great assembly; among the throngs I will praise you. Do not let those gloat over me who are my enemies without cause; do not let those who hate me without reason maliciously wink the eye. They do not speak peaceably, but devise false accusations against those who live quietly in the land. They sneer at me and say, “Aha! Aha! With our own eyes we have seen it.

Ever had a friend betray you? Someone you cared for? A person in whom you invested time and energy? When they were down you were there with them; but when you needed help, they were nowhere to be found.

That’s what happened to David. He invested his life into a person. He prayed fervently for him. He wept for him “as though weeping for my mother.” Then David stumbled and the same person joined the slanderers and mockers.

There are no two ways about it, when a friend turns on you it hurts. However, these times are great reminders that other humans will always disappoint. There is One who sticks closer than a brother. There is One who will never leave or forsake us. There is One who died so we could live. We desire good friends, but there is only One who deserves our worship.

Lord Jesus, you have made us to want and need good friendship. Help us keep them in proper perspective. May our worship and focus always be on you—our Friend for eternity. In your name I pray. Amen.